Community Corner

Elmhurst Cycling Classic Kicks Off Friday in Wilder Park

Professional and amateur bike racing gets underway around Elmhurst in sixth leg of Prairie State Cycling Series from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 25.


Come watch a thrilling race of professional and amateur bike racing around Elmhurst College  today (Friday) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Superior Ambulance Elmhurst Cycling Classic is one of eight cycling races taking place around the Chicago region in the Prairie State Cycling Series.

Racers will be grouped according to their racing experience and accomplishments, with categories 1 and “prop” being the most accomplished racers.

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“Masters” categories enable riders 30 years and older to compete against each other... but don't be fooled!  "Masters" are often faster than the younger riders.

The Elmhurst Cycling Classic course is 1.2 miles around Elmhurst College.

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Catch the video preview of the Elmhurst Cycling Classic race course.

Success in road criteriums requires a mix of solid technical skills — in particular, the ability to corner rapidly and sharply, while smoothly "holding your line" on the road.  Racers must possess exceptional "sprint" ability to attack other riders, repeatedly accelerate hard from corners, and know how to ride safely with a large group on a short circuit.

The "S" curve on Elm Park Road offers racers a great opportunity to demonstrate their cornering skills.

Be in Wilder Park Friday afternoon and evening to watch the excitement and high speed action.  Stand just feet away from the elbow-to-elbow action as the racers zoom by at speeds over 30 mph. Walk the course, visit neighbors, join a cookout!

Don’t miss the finish at the Wilder Mansion. Prospect Avenue sidewalks will come alive with fans, and an Expo featuring food and entertainment in the area near Wilder Mansion will be a great spot to catch all the action.

The Elmhurst Bike Task Force will be hosting a free Bike Valet inside the fenced tennis courts in Wilder Park, so leave your car at home and ride your bike(s) to the race.

All races start and finish at Wilder Mansion located at 249 Walter St., in Elmhurst. Parking is also available at Elmhurst College.

Prairie State Cycling Series' criteriums have already been held in Waukegan, Lake Bluff, Crystal Lake, Willow Springs, and Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. After Elmhurst, additional bike criteriums are scheduled in Chicago (Saturday) and Downers Grove (Sunday). 

For a detailed schedule of races and more information, visit the Superior Ambulance Elmhurst Cycling Classic Race Guide.



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